They’re small. Often overlooked. Easy to underestimate. But if you’ve ever stood before an old Spanish door, a hand-carved trunk, or a saloon swinging door that’s stood the test of time—you’ve likely seen them: clavos.

These hammered nail heads are more than decorative. They’re a window into centuries of craftsmanship and cross-cultural design. And at Old West Iron, they remain one of our most requested accents for doors, furniture, and restorations alike.

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What Are Clavos?

In short, clavos are decorative nails, usually with oversized heads and often a hand-hammered or domed finish. The word clavo means “nail” in Spanish, and historically, they were used in both functional and ornamental applications throughout Europe, North Africa, and later, the American West.

Today, clavos are popular in rustic, mission, Western, and Mediterranean architecture—and not just for looks. They add texture, symmetry, and craftsmanship to nearly any surface they touch.

Old World Origins: Spain, Morocco & the Mediterranean

The tradition of ornamental nailwork dates back to ancient times, but it truly flourished in Spanish and Moorish architecture, where bold ironwork was a symbol of strength and artistry.

On fortress doors, gates, trunks, and shutters, clavos:

• Added a layer of defense against siege and weather

• Reinforced heavy timber with iron

• Signified wealth and security in ornate door designs

• Were often forged by hand as custom commissions for estates and villas

As Spanish settlers and missionaries brought their building traditions to the New World, clavos followed—becoming a hallmark of Spanish Colonial architecture.

The Western Expansion: Clavos on the American Frontier

With the push westward in the 18th and 19th centuries, early homesteads, ranches, and trading posts needed durable, available hardware that could serve double duty—functional fastener and decorative detail.

In the West, clavos were used on:

• Front doors of cabins and haciendas

• Chests, trunks, and furniture

• Saloon doors and swinging gates

• Church pews and altar furniture

These weren’t factory-made. They were forged one by one, hammered with care, and made to last as long as the wood they were driven into.

Modern Uses With Timeless Character

Today, clavos still serve as a signature detail in homes and buildings with Western, rustic, and old-world sensibilities. Whether you’re restoring an 1800s ranch or building a custom Spanish revival entryway, clavos bring:

• Historic authenticity

• Visual rhythm and depth

• Material contrast (iron or bronze against wood, leather, or stone)

• A sense of craftsmanship you can feel

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Old West Iron Clavos: Forged for the Ages

At Old West Iron, our clavos are hand-forged, made in the USA, and available in a range of styles:

• Round, square, pyramid, and hammered head shapes

• Finishes like black oil, bronze patina, natural iron, and rusted beeswax

• Sizes for everything from cabinet doors to full-scale entry gates

• Materials including wrought iron, brass, bronze, and copper

Each one is made to be tapped into wood or upholstery, and built to last—just like the originals.

Why Choose Clavos Today?

Because they tell a story.

Every clavo is a nod to the hands that shaped the past—to the blacksmiths, builders, and homemakers who knew that even the smallest details mattered. In a world of shortcuts and mass production, clavos are proof that heritage design never goes out of style.

If you’re working on a project that needs authenticity, artistry, and a sense of place—clavos might just be your finishing touch.

Start with Our Full Collection of Decorative Clavos »

Maddison Mellem
Writing from the forge at Old West Iron